HeyRuaHow to say “circumstance” in Irish
- Irish:
- cúinse
- English:
- circumstance, pretext, countenance
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KOON-shuh” /ˈkuːnʲʃə/
- Plural:
- cúinsí (circumstances)
- Genitive singular:
- cúinse, an chúinse (e.g. tábhacht an chúinse sin, the importance of that circumstance)
- Genitive plural:
- cúinsí, na gcúinsí (e.g. athrú na gcúinsí, the change of circumstances)
What does “cúinse” mean?
“Cúinse” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- circumstance
- A condition or fact connected with an event or situation, usually used in the plural.Also: condition, situation.
2 other meanings: pretext or countenance
- 2pretext
- A reason given as an excuse or pretence for doing something.Also: excuse, pretence.
- 3countenance
- The appearance or expression of a person's face.Also: appearance, aspect.
Other Irish words for circumstance: toisc (circumstance)
“Cúinse” with the article
The plural of circumstance in Irish is cúinsí. Here is cúinse after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cúinse” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cúinse, the Irish word for circumstance.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Circumstance in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for circumstance?
The Irish for circumstance is cúinse (pronounced “KOON-shuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cúinsí. Depending on context it can also mean pretext or countenance.
How do you pronounce cúinse in Irish?
Cúinse is said like “KOON-shuh” (IPA /ˈkuːnʲʃə/).
What is the plural of circumstance in Irish?
The plural of cúinse is cúinsí; with the article, na cúinsí means “the circumstances”. The genitive plural is cúinsí, as in athrú na gcúinsí (the change of circumstances).
Does cúinse have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cúinse can mean circumstance, pretext or countenance, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cúinse change to chúinse or gcúinse?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cúinse becomes mo chúinse (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcúinse (eclipsis).
How do you say 'under no circumstances' in Irish?
A common phrase is 'ar aon chúinse' with a negative verb, for example 'Ná déan é ar aon chúinse'.
What is the difference between 'cúinse' and 'toisc'?
Both can mean circumstance or factor; 'cúinsí' is the usual word for someone's circumstances, while 'toisc' leans more towards a factor or condition.
